Bay Area Eats: Treats for Gluten Free Foodies

Are you gluten free and visiting the Bay Area? Don’t fret, there will be many options for you to choose from. I’ve lived in the Bay Area for roughly six months now and have discovered a handful of great restaurants and cafes that quickly climbed to the top of my personal favorites list. Lucky for you, I’m sharing.

Everything I’m suggesting below has been vetted by both gluten free and non-gluten free eaters. Both camps agree that these places are ‘da bomb’.

Mariposa Baking Company products can be found in many places but they have a storefront in Oakland (Telegraph & 55th) in addition to a location in San Francisco (Ferry Building). This place is heaven-on-earth for gluten free eaters. Everything, yes you read that correctly, everything, they sell is gluten free. And I haven’t tasted a bad pastry yet! I love coming here on the weekends to work and relax, with a cinnamon roll in one hand and coffee in the other. Also, if you don’t live within reach of Mariposa but their treats pique your interest, Mariposa delivers nationwide. You’re welcome.

Who doesn’t love pizza?! Zachary’s Pizza has a great gluten free thin-crust option that can form the base of any of their topping combinations. Keep that in mind next time you’re in the mood for a nice, greasy meal.

Flour + Co is not strictly gluten free but they do have some great gluten free options that are both delicious and nutritious. My personal favorite here is kale salad and cornbread. If you’re not familiar with the food-dance that occurs after having a bite of something beyond this world, this cornbread will introduce you. It’s that good.

As most gluten free eaters know, you can always ask any restaurant for a specialized menu and most will have one available for you to peruse and select from without the fear of triggering a food allergy. My hope with this brief post, however, is that I have placed a few options on your radar that are better tasting than others.

Any restaurants you would recommend to diet-restricted eaters, gluten free or otherwise? Please share in the comments.